Buffalo Chicken Meatballs are a fun twist on classic meatballs, packed with spicy flavor! Made with ground chicken and smothered in buffalo sauce, they’re perfect for parties or game nights.
These meatballs are super easy to whip up. I love serving them with toothpicks for dipping. Trust me, they disappear fast—you might want to make a double batch! 😂
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Ground Chicken: The star of the dish! If you prefer, you can substitute with ground turkey for a leaner option or even ground beef for a richer flavor. I usually stick with chicken for that classic buffalo taste.
Breadcrumbs: Regular breadcrumbs work well, but you can try panko for extra crunch. For gluten-free options, use crushed rice or cornflakes instead.
Buffalo Wing Sauce: Frank’s RedHot is a favorite, but any hot sauce works if you like it spicier. Adjust the amount to fit your personal heat level. I like to mix it with some honey for sweetness sometimes!
Cheese: Cheddar cheese adds great flavor, but feel free to use mozzarella for a milder taste or even blue cheese for that classic buffalo combo.
Fresh Parsley: Gives freshness and color! If you don’t have any, you can skip it or use dried parsley in a pinch.
How Do You Ensure Perfectly Shaped Meatballs?
Forming meatballs can sometimes feel tricky, but here are some tips to help.
- Keep your hands damp while shaping the meatballs. This prevents sticking and helps create a smooth surface.
- Use a small scoop for even sizes, ensuring they cook evenly. A tablespoon works well!
- Don’t overwork the mixture; just mix until combined to keep meatballs tender.
Following these steps will help your meatballs hold their shape and stay juicy while baking!
Buffalo Chicken Meatballs
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1 lb ground chicken
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/4 cup finely chopped onion
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley (plus extra for garnish)
- 1 large egg
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
- 1 cup buffalo wing sauce (such as Frank’s RedHot)
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter
- Optional: blue cheese dressing or ranch for serving
- Optional: celery sticks for serving
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe will take approximately 10 minutes for preparation and about 25 minutes for baking. Overall, you should expect to spend about 35 minutes from start to finish, plus a little time for serving and enjoying these delicious meatballs!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). While it heats up, line a baking sheet with parchment paper or give it a light grease to prevent sticking. This will make cleanup a breeze!
2. Mix the Meatball Ingredients:
In a large bowl, combine the ground chicken, breadcrumbs, finely chopped onion, minced garlic, shredded cheddar cheese, chopped parsley, egg, salt, black pepper, and smoked paprika. Mix everything together gently, just until combined, being careful not to overwork the meat!
3. Shape the Meatballs:
Using your hands, form the mixture into small meatballs, about 1 to 1.5 inches in diameter. Place them on the prepared baking sheet, keeping some space between each ball to allow them to cook evenly.
4. Bake the Meatballs:
Put the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake the meatballs for about 20-25 minutes, until they are cooked through and lightly browned. Your kitchen will start smelling amazing!
5. Prepare the Buffalo Sauce:
While the meatballs are baking, heat the buffalo wing sauce and butter in a small saucepan over low heat. Stir it occasionally, until the butter has melted and the sauce is warm. You can adjust the heat level if you like it spicier!
6. Coat the Meatballs:
Once the meatballs are done baking, transfer them to a large bowl. Pour the warm buffalo sauce over the meatballs and gently toss to coat them evenly in that delicious, fiery goodness.
7. Serve & Enjoy:
Serve the meatballs hot, garnished with extra chopped parsley for a pop of color. They pair beautifully with celery sticks and your choice of blue cheese dressing or ranch for dipping. Perfect for sharing—or enjoying all by yourself! 😋
Enjoy your spicy, tangy Buffalo Chicken Meatballs that are sure to impress! Great for snacking, parties, or just a tasty meal!
Can I Use Ground Turkey Instead of Chicken?
Absolutely! Ground turkey is a great alternative and will work just as well in this recipe. It adds a slightly different flavor, but still keeps it lean and delicious.
How Can I Make These Meatballs Gluten-Free?
To make gluten-free meatballs, simply use gluten-free breadcrumbs or crushed cornflakes instead of regular breadcrumbs. Also, double-check that your buffalo sauce is gluten-free, as some brands may contain gluten.
Can I Prepare the Meatballs in Advance?
Yes, you can make the meatballs ahead of time! Prepare and shape them, then store them in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before baking. You can also freeze the raw meatballs. Just thaw them in the fridge overnight before cooking.
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftover meatballs in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm them gently in the microwave or on the stove, adding a splash of buffalo sauce if desired to liven them up!
